Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast

Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Jane Marie Hennebelle joins the podcast to break down New World screw worm — a parasitic fly that was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966 but remains a serious threat to livestock and animal health today. Dr. Hennebelle explains how the fly's maggots feed on live tissue in open wounds, why early detection is critical, and what an incursion could mean for Georgia's lives...

What does it take to grow the next generation of Georgia agriculturists — and how early do you need to start? In this episode, John sits down with Kaitlyn Marchant, Agricultural Programs Manager for the Georgia Department of Education and the first woman to hold the position, at her office in Watkinsville. Marchant shares her journey from a South Georgia cattle farm to 12 years in the classroom to...

Fifth-generation Morgan County farmer, Lee Nunn joins host John Holcomb for an honest conversation about what it means to farm through one of the driest springs in recent memory. With 25 years of experience growing cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat, Lee breaks down how the ongoing drought is threatening his wheat harvest, stalling cotton bed preparation, and leaving a month-old corn crop desperate...

What really happens behind the scenes at Georgia Farm Bureau? In this special "Behind the Bureau" episode, District Federation Managers Kari Creamer and Rebecca Jacobs share an inside look at the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that keep the organization running at the grassroots level. From supporting county offices and developing future leaders to navigating the unique challenges of r...

As financial pressure builds across agriculture, farm bankruptcies are once again trending upward—and the outlook for 2026 remains uncertain. In this episode, University of Georgia economist Will Secor breaks down what's driving the increase, from declining crop prices and high input costs to rising debt and interest rates. He explains why the Southeast may be especially vulnerable, how Chapter 12...

A new invasive pest is raising concerns across Georgia's cotton industry, and researchers are working quickly to understand its impact. In this episode, Dr. Phillip Roberts with the University of Georgia breaks down what the cotton jassid is, how it spreads, and why it poses such a serious threat to yield. He explains how the insect damages plants, what was learned during its first season in the s...

On this episode of the Growing On Podcast , host John Holcomb sits down with Dr. Nick Fuhrman—better known to many viewers as "Ranger Nick." A longtime contributor to The Farm Monitor and Associate Dean at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nick shares the story behind his passion for teaching, wildlife, and inspiring others to connect with the natural wo...

Every county in Georgia is now experiencing some level of drought — and for farmers, the timing couldn't be more critical. In this episode, recorded in Watkinsville, Georgia, agricultural climatologist Pam Knox with the University of Georgia breaks down what's driving the state's widespread dry conditions and what it could mean for the upcoming growing season. From the role of La Niña in shaping G...

What does it take to step into agriculture as the next generation — and stay there? With the average American farmer nearing retirement age, the future of agriculture depends on young producers willing to take risks and lead. Cleve Jackson discusses his agricultural roots, his leadership journey through Farm Bureau, and the responsibility of growing a farm — and an industry — for the next generati...

In this special bonus episode of Growing On , host John Holcomb visits Minter's Tree Farm, a five-generation family operation rooted in the unincorporated community of Inman, Georgia. For more than 30 years, Rick Minter has carried on a Christmas tree–growing legacy that began when his grandfather purchased the farm in 1936. Rick shares the remarkable history behind the farm—from its origins in De...

In this episode, host John Holcomb sits down at Big Sandy Creek Dairy in Morgan County with Katelin Benkoski — dairy farmer, ag advocate, community educator, and full-time ag finance professional. Katelin shares her story of growing up on her family's dairy farm, staying deeply rooted in agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and her degrees in animal science and ag business from the University of Georgia....

In this episode of Growing On , host John Holcomb sits down in Madison, Georgia, with Rachel Kinsaul— the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year and 2024 Milken Educator Award winner — to talk about her journey to becoming a passionate advocate for agricultural education. Rachel shares how her experiences in the classroom and through Georgia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers program have shaped her...

In this episode of the Growing On podcast, host John Holcomb visits Morgan County to talk with Liam Tewksbury—a third-generation farmer, cattleman, and passionate advocate for Georgia agriculture. From his early days showing livestock in FFA to managing cattle operations across the Southeast, Liam shares his inspiring journey of following in his family's footsteps while forging a path uniquely his...

In this live-recorded episode of Georgia Farm Bureau's podcast, host John Holcomb leads a powerful and deeply personal conversation on one of agriculture's most avoided topics: succession planning. Joined by estate attorney Taylor Broun and young farmer Garrett Hurley, the discussion blends legal insight with real-life experience to emphasize why planning ahead is critical for preserving generatio...

In this inspiring episode, host John Holcomb chats with Allie Andrews, chair of Georgia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program. Allie shares her unlikely journey into agriculture, how she and her husband built a diverse farming operation from the ground up, and her vision for mentorship and leadership development in the ag community. From farm camps for kids to advocating in Washing...

In this episode, John Holcomb sits down with Heather King, Women's Leadership Program Coordinator, and Levi Davis, Young Farmers & Ranchers Programs Coordinator at Georgia Farm Bureau. They dive into their new roles, share the purpose and impact of their programs, and discuss how GFB is cultivating leadership and advocacy at the grassroots level. From hands-on ag literacy efforts to national polic...

The fruits and vegetables on your grocery store shelves don't just appear there by magic. Behind every ripe peach, crisp pepper, and juicy blueberry, there's a story—one of labor, regulation, and a growing struggle for survival. In this episode of the Growing On Podcast , we sit down with Chris Butts, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to dive deep int...

In this episode, we sit down with attorney Brian Bojo, a partner at MSP Law Firm in Rome, Georgia, to discuss the essential aspects of estate and succession planning for farming families. With an estimated 40% of U.S. agricultural land transitioning to the next generation in the next 15 years, planning for the future is more critical than ever. Brian breaks down the key legal documents every farme...

In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear an in-depth discussion with Adam Belflower, Governmental Affairs Specialist for Georgia Farm Bureau. Adam breaks down GFB's "I Farm. I Vote." Campaign by giving you some insight as to what Georgia Farm Bureau does as a grassroots organization and explains why, now more than ever, it's important to know who candidates are and what polici...

In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear a discussion with Lauren Goble, Educational Programs Coordinator for Georgia Farm Bureau. Lauren shares her story and passion for agriculture and the Ag in the Classroom program, and gives some insight for anyone that might be interested in incoprorating ag into their classroom or lesson plans.   Show Notes: GFB Ag in the Classroom GFB...

In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear a one-on-one interview with Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Tanner shares his story and passion for mental health, especially those in the agricultural community. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the different parts of the peanut indutry. From industry events like the Peanut Farm Show, to learning about the important work of Peanut Breeders, and finally the grading process at peanut buying points that is done by the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service. Catch it all in this episode! 

Shortly after Hurricane Idalia made landfall and made its way through Georgia, we spoke with Agricultural Climatologist, Pam Knox all about our climate here in Georgia and the Southeast, and the factors that help shape it. 

Each year at their annual GFB Commodity Conference, the organization recognizes someone who's made a lasting impact on the Georgia ag industry. Known as the GFB Commodity Award, it's one of the organization's highest honors. This year's recipient is Barrow County's Terry England.

In this episode of the Growing On podcast, you'll be hearing from Becky Griffin, Community and School Garden Coordinator and Pollinator Health Associate with UGA Extension. Becky discusses this year's upcoming Great Southeast Pollinator Census and why it's so important.